Naperville Area CHamber of Commerce Government Affairs Roundup

Colin Dalough is the Director, Government Affairs and Business Development for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

Our award-winning schools are coming back in session this week, and there has been a renewed energy around town. Please go outside, and enjoy the remainder of this weather while it lasts. Before we know it we will be arguing about the state budget once again while sipping on pumpkin spice lattes. Here’s what you need to know before we get there.

Township

The negotiations between the City of Naperville and the Naperville Township over road maintenance took a turn last week. The Naperville Township accepted a deal with the Lisle Township to provide services through June 30, 2017 and would cost approximately $275,000.

So, what effect does this have on the city of Naperville’s offer to provide services? The answer is still unclear. The deal between the townships only lasts until June 30, 2017, while the City of Naperville’s offer had been a four-year deal. The question will still be on the November ballot, though the outcome is non-binding.

Nevertheless, the deal is a significant reduction in costs. The $275,000 contract with the Lisle Township is significantly less than the $533,500 proposed by the city. Naperville Township Highway Commissioner Stan Wojtasiak is reported as proposing those savings could be passed on to taxpayers through the next property tax levy.

Common Sense Immigration Reform

The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition and FWD.us hosted a roundtable on commonsense immigration reform on Wednesday, August 10. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Bob Dold, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, and Illinois Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno all spoke on the need for sensible reforms for the business community. The speakers cited the contributions to the United States and Illinois’ economy from immigrants while arguing that safety and security will be increased with a reformed immigration policy.

A comprehensive immigration reform bill passed the Senate, but never came up for a vote in the House in 2013. Congressman Diaz-Balart told the crowd that the House still does not “have an appetite” for a large bill so we can expect a number of smaller bills over the coming months.

Marijuana Decriminalization

Finally, Governor Rauner signed SB2228, a marijuana decriminalization bill, on July 29. It is effective immediately and reduces the offense for possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana to a civil penalty of $100 to $200. Prior to this signing possession of up to 2.5 grams of marijuana was a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail, while possession of 2.5 grams to 10 grams was a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

Earlier in the month, the Governor also signed a bill that extended the Illinois medical marijuana pilot program for 2 ½ more years. The revised law also includes post-traumatic stress and terminal illnesses as eligible conditions to be treated.

What do you think, is Illinois heading in the direction on marijuana policy?